Diplomacy is not just about flapping your gums. It is about achieving Australia's policy objectives by persuading other countries to act in Australia's interests. Pissing off China by discussing private discussions to gain kudos with a few reporters is a serious blunder.

Peter Van Onselen who voted Labor, and who publicly declared the appointment of Carr as a Labor triumph, is the one whose comments I have posted here. Yes, everyone thought he would be an asset, but it now appears that he is a liability. He has had more gaffes and blunders in a few months than most FMs have in a career.

Dear Shadow Minister,

While we understand that your views of Bob Carr reflect
your particular view of politics. I would like to remind
you of the many errors made by another foreign minister
at the start of his international career. Alexander Downer.

Bob Carr given enough time - just might pleasantly surprise you.
Both men have expressed the fact that "It's an immense
honour to serve your country in a senior position." If one
could do well given his difficult start - why not give the
other the same benefit of doubt. Or are you only interested
in only seeing the negative in one political party and only
the positive of your own.

Come on Lexi, Bob Carr, given any time at all, will simply become even more senile than he has proven to be so far.

He was a catastrophe for NSW as premier, & is proving even worse in the federal sphere.

My initial post was direct comments from Peter Van Onselen who initially vigourously supported Carr and voted Labor in 2010. Are his comments tainted by his political support? Really Lexi!

Carr has already made more errors than Downer in his 11 years. For all the fanfare, his performance has been disappointing. Rudd for all his failings far out performed Carr.

Dear Shadow Minister,

It seems that as usual - we won't be seeing eye-to-eye
on this issue. But at least it's fun sharing our different
points of view.

AWL - (aren't we lucky in this country) - to
be able to do that. And aren't we lucky to have a forum
such as this one on which we can do it.

See you on another thread.
Have a nice day.